Taliban, al Qaeda wiped out from Pakistan: Nawaz

Premier says Da’ish has no recognisable presence in country

SARAJEVO: Pakistan has paid a heavy price in the effort to eradicate terrorist outfits like al Qaeda and the Taliban, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday.

“We have paid a heavy price in our war against terrorism. We had to make some difficult decisions but we have dealt with the threat effectively,” he told members of Bosnia’s parliament. “The safe havens of al Qaeda and the Taliban have been destroyed and they have been wiped out from the country. There is no presence of Da’ish [also known as the Islamic State] in Pakistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan had a firm resolve to eliminate the threat of terrorism.



Addressing a business forum separately, the prime minister said in addition to eliminating terrorism, his government took other challenges facing Pakistan head on to turn around a sluggish economy. “Pakistan’s economy is moving in the right direction. An improved security situation has made it an ideal destination for foreign investment,” he said.

The prime minister invited investors from Bosnia and Herzegovina to benefit from Pakistan’s conducive business environment. “It is an ideal time. Let us join hands to tap the vast potential and develop sound footing for the trade relations between Pakistan and Herzegovina,” he told the members of Bosnia’s Trade Chamber and Foreign Investment Agency. “I firmly believe that strong trade is a requisite for a strong people-to-people relationship,” he said.

Premier Nawaz and his Bosnian counterpart Dr Denis Zvizdic also expressed a commitment to strengthen ties in defence, trade, agriculture and textile sectors. “Pakistan stands committed to supporting the progress and prosperity of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he said alongside the Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina chairman.

The prime minister said his high-level visit aimed to boost momentum in Pakistan and Bosnia’s bilateral relationship and said he had a ‘most productive discussion’ with Chairman Dr Zvidic on the entire spectrum of ties between the two countries.



Dr Zvizdic, meanwhile, termed Pakistan a sincere friend of his country and thanked Pakistan for extending assistance to Bosnia in a number of sectors while recognizing its position and sovereignty at the international level.

He said Bosnia was in a position to be a credible partner in business and mentioned his government’s priority of integration with the European Union. “Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina will launch the Joint Commission to discuss their mutual relations and mentioned the upcoming visit of Pakistani business delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina to showcase their products.  He said proximity to the European Union made his country a more attractive economic destination for Pakistani businessmen.

While visiting Sarajevo’s old city with Dr Zvidzic, Premier Nawaz said it was a pleasure to visit Bosnia’s beautiful capital after some 20 years, and assured that the people of Pakistan had warm sentiments for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2016.